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Catch of the Week: Bed Bugs

January 9, 2018

Lately we've received quite a few calls from the Des Moines community to get rid of bed bugs. In fact, bed bug invasions are becoming more frequent as people travel to escape the cold winter weather. These pests are sometimes known as "hitchhikers", and like to ride along in your suitcase or bags. That's why bed bugs are commonly spotted in high-traffic areas, such as hotels and planes.

You definitely don't want these pests in your home or business; bed bugs spread quickly and can be extremely difficult to eliminate. They can stay inactive and go long periods of time without feeding, so you can never be too careful when getting rid of bed bugs. Our pest professionals are bed bug elimination experts and want to give you some advice on keeping bed bugs out!

How to Detect Bed Bug Infestations in Your Home

The most definite way to confirm you have a bed bug infestation is by seeing the bugs or their cast skins. As bed bugs mature and grow larger, they cast-off their old skin and leave it behind as an obvious indicator of their presence. They'll also defecate brown or black stains on mattresses or furniture after feeding.

You're most likely to see bed bugs in these common household places:

Mattresses or sheets (just like this week's Des Moines homeowner).

Furniture around your home.

Cracks and Crevices on the walls.

Electrical outlets.

Behind or around picture frames.

Did you ever hear the saying, "Don't let the bed bugs bite" when you were younger? Or maybe you jokingly say that to your kids when you tuck them in at night. That's actually one of the most common indicators of a bed bug invasion! Bed bug bites usually look like tiny red welts that are commonly found in a cluster formation on the arms, legs or any exposed skin area. Typically they are not dangerous, but bed bug bites are a clear sign you need to act and get rid of them quickly!

Preventing a Bed Bug Problem

When you arrive at your destination, don't set your bags on the floor where bed bugs could easily climb into your suitcase.

Keep items you're not using in your bag when you're on vacation. It can be easy to want to unpack everything upon your arrival, but setting out clothes or other belongings leaves them exposed to bed bugs.

After you return from traveling, make sure to wash all clothing in hot water before putting it away. The heat will kill any bed bugs that managed to follow you home.

How Does Preferred Pest Control Get Rid of Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs can be some of the most resilient insects to eliminate. However Preferred Pest Control has many proven methods and is a Bed Bug Free certified company. Our experienced pest technicians have completed extensive training to ensure the problem is eliminated without any recurrences.

Canine Scent Detection Techniques

Preferred Pest has two beagles that are certified by the National Entomology Scent Detection Canine Association (NESDCA), which means they have completed multiple bed bug detection tests. Hunter and Radar, our canine bed bug detectors, are always accompanied by a handler and are specifically trained to identify bed bugs in different types of search areas, including:

Residential dwellings.

Warehouse, office buildings and multi-room interiors.

Schools, hotels and motels.

Our team finds canine detection effective because beagles have such a heightened sense of smell, and are much more accurate than humans. A typical exterminator can detect bed bugs about 50% of the time, but Hunter and Radar have an impressive 95% accuracy rate! Homeowners also appreciate that the dogs do not have to overturn or disassemble furniture to detect bed bugs.

Thermal Remediation Elimination

Extreme heat effectively kills bed bugs and allows Preferred Pest to get rid of these pests. Our pest technicians use special heat equipment to effectively eliminate all bed bugs in the treated area. The Thermal Remediation process follows three steps:

Electric bed bug heaters introduce and recirculate heated air with a target temperature not to exceed 135 degrees.

Our exterminators monitor the temperature from a remote location with wireless sensors to ensure the target temperature is reached without harming any contents within the controlled space.

High temperature fans circulate the heated air throughout the entire space to reach bed bugs in any cracks or high infestation zones.

Bed Bug Elimination for the Des Moines Area

If you think you have signs of bed bugs in your home, don't wait until you have a serious infestation on your hands! These pests can spread quickly, but Preferred Pest took care of this Des Moines resident before the problem got out of hand. Our canine bed bug experts and exterminators offer quality services that are safe and effective. Call Preferred Pest Control today at (515) 276-7277 or schedule an appointment online.